Ukrainians protest Russian-linked military drills in Africa

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA) held a protest in Cape Town against South Africa’s military cooperation with Russia.

“On Jan. 9 the demonstration  against the presence of the russian naval ship in South African non-aligned waters took place. This demonstration brought together people united by a shared commitment to justice, human rights, and resistance to imperial violence,” the association said.

Joint naval drills titled “Will to Peace,” scheduled for Jan. 9-16 that involved Russia’s navy prompted the outcry.

Demonstrators used a symbolic child-sized coffin that bore the slogan “Russia kills” to draw attention to Russia’s war crimes, including the killing and forced militarization of thousands of Ukrainian children. 

The protesters also mentioned Russia’s destructive role in Africa, where its forces have been involved in recruitment efforts and the killing of vulnerable communities.

“We are here to represent the murdered Ukrainian children,” said Olga from UAZA. “A russian naval ship cannot cruise South African waters as if nothing is happening.”

The group stressed that the exercises involving Russia are taking place amid ongoing Kremlin attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, which have caused widespread power outages across hundreds of cities and villages.

Such airborne attacks have also cut off heating and water shortages. 

“A country forged through resistance against imperialism and oppression South Africa cannot remain indifferent when those same forces are being exercised elsewhere. To stand against oppression is not to choose sides between nations, but to uphold the international law, UN charter and South African Constructional principles: no state has the right to erase another people through terror, displacement, and war,” the association said.

Previously, UAZA urged the South African government to immediately end any military cooperation with the Russian Federation.